When I was back at school, my Caucasian friends made comments that I "knew" every Black person on campus because I would always greet one whenever I saw one (or they greeted me). I tried to tell them that I did not know ALL of them, just a lot of them. But I would also do a "nod", "smile" or a "hello", when I walked past a Black person I did not know.

I tried to explain it the best way I knew how. The majority of my school is Caucasian and only 3% of the student body is of African descent. 3% out of 20,000 students is very small. So in a way, I was trying to explain that seeing another Black person was relieving sometimes. Especially since I could be the only Black person in a 300 person lecture hall.

The best way I tried to explain it to a male White friend was that, he would do the same thing if there was such a small percentage of White people at our school.

But I am curious what are the origins of the "nod". Because I noticed this is done all over the country and is sort of a kinda of mutual silent acknowledgement. Does it have roots in slavery? But if that's so, why do African immigrants do it too?

It seems natural to acknowledge people who are like you. Haven't you ever seen the interaction between two babies in the store? Even babies zone in on other little ones and do the "baby nod". . It's just human nature.

It seems natural to acknowledge people who are like you. Haven't you ever seen the interaction between two babies in the store? Even babies zone in on other little ones and do the "baby nod". . It's just human nature.

Originally Posted by roseannadana

Yea, that was my response to my friends. I was just wondering if there was any other type of background or origin to it, though.

I understand it may be comforting to you to see other black people, but I don't want you to think that you should feel uncomfortable if you were the only one there. Just because you look different doesn't mean people see you as different.

I understand it may be comforting to you to see other black people, but I don't want you to think that you should feel uncomfortable if you were the only one there. Just because you look different doesn't mean people see you as different.

Originally Posted by slinky1

Uuuh... What? I don't feel uncomfortable around non-Black people. I'm part-White, there's White people on both sides of my family, my step-father is White. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is people who are ignorant and refuse to see that not everyone is treated equally in this country. Especially when it comes to the treatment of women and POC.

The only reason I may choose to hang out with Black people more often is because of cultural differences, but I don't pick my friends based on race since I myself am multiracial anyway.

Why post it at all if you're just going to edit? Obviously, that's how you really feel.

Originally Posted by midgi

Well, it's late at night and I'm stressed. I realized that people can be ashamed of me for reasons other than my skin color and that men of all races are friendlier of women of all races. It's a gender thing more than a race thing.